B.,
I can give you some generic ideas;; however, it might be a good idea to speak the the child's team at school or his parents to find out what items he likes. The reason is that I can tell you that some kids with Autism like what we call 'fidget' balls (like stress balls), but he might like a certain kind. He might have a blanket that he liked, but maybe it had a certain texture to it that comforted him or relaxed him or calmed him. Really, I would speak to either his parents; or, maybe his Occupational Therapist, Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologist. They may have some really good ideas, because no 2 kids are the same on the Autism Spectrum. And, on another note, how wonderful that you all are stepping up and helping this family and recognizing their specail needs as a family, as well.
B.